perpetual check

noun

: an endless succession of checks to which an opponent's king may be subjected to force a draw in chess

Examples of perpetual check in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Necessary was a dash to a perpetual check and a draw with Rd6 and then Rxg6+. Chris Chase, BostonGlobe.com, 24 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perpetual check was in 1750

Dictionary Entries Near perpetual check

Cite this Entry

“Perpetual check.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perpetual%20check. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on perpetual check

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!